"The team is still progressing and improving," Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez said.

"We are trying to adjust the little things still in every training session - the players have been really focused from day one, wanting to learn and improve - and to see them taking effect is very positive."

Four teams - Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion - are level on points in fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, but with Arsenal's game off because of a strike by London Underground, the other three can take advantage.

Everton entertains Wigan, Tottenham travels to a shell-shocked Aston Villa and West Brom is away to relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers.

Eighth-placed Liverpool travels to Stoke City. Bottom side Reading faces Swansea and Fulham hosts Southampton in the day's other games.